Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady
Beltangady, July 11: A group of indigenous families in Hithilapela, a hamlet in Savanalu village under the Kudremukh National Park limits, have accused government departments of effectively confining them after authorities put up a banner prohibiting river crossings, instead of building a bridge that has been their long-standing demand.
The warning sign was installed at the spot where, on June 15 last year, a person travelling on a two-wheeler was swept away in the strong river currents while attempting to cross the flooded stretch. The banner stated that the river was overflowing and crossing it was prohibited.
The move has triggered anger among the nine Adivasi Malekudi families living in Hithilapela, who have been residing there for nearly two centuries. Dependent on agriculture for their livelihood, the families continue to live without basic facilities such as electricity, road connectivity and a bridge.
Residents alleged that despite 79 years of Independence, the administration has failed to provide essential infrastructure and is now trying to escape its responsibility by preventing them from using the river — their only link to the outside world.
Last year, after some youths were swept away along with their two-wheelers due to the force of the river current but survived, officials from the taluk and district administrations, along with the chairman of the Nomadic Development Corporation, visited Hithilapela.
During the visit, residents urged officials and elected representatives to construct at least a basic bridge to provide connectivity. They were assured that an urgent bridge project would be taken up. However, residents said no work has started so far and the assurances given by authorities and representatives remain unfulfilled.
With heavy rains causing the river to swell again, the families are facing renewed difficulties. The river remains their only route to reach the outside world — whether to go for daily wage work or buy essential household items.
Residents questioned the authorities’ decision to put up a board banning river crossings when no alternative arrangement has been made.
They alleged that the Adivasi community has been used merely as a vote bank by elected representatives, while their genuine development needs have been ignored. They also accused officials of repeatedly giving false assurances without taking concrete action.
"Overall, the Malekudi community is being used like puppets. The officials who have put up a signboard saying the river should not be crossed must explain how these Adivasi families are expected to survive. When the government has not taken any steps to meet their daily needs, how is it right to impose such restrictions?" said Jayananda Pilikala, general secretary of the Karnataka Adivasi Rights Coordination Committee, Belthangady.
He warned that the community would be forced to launch a strong protest in the coming days against what he described as the administration’s neglect and failure to fulfil its promises.